Ohio State launches scholarship for transgender students, named for AACRAO member

The Ohio State University recently announced the addition of a 9th scholarship targeting GLBT students--The Jack Miner Scholarship for Transgender Students. The GLBT Scholarship Program, administered by Scarlet and Gay, a member society of the OSU Alumni Association, is the largest campus based scholarship program for GLBT students.

This is the first university-­‐based scholarship specifically targeting the transgender community in the country. The scholarship recognizes outstanding students who identify as transgender and provide leadership and service within that community.

Jack Miner, Director of Operations for the University Registrar at Ohio State, is credited with founding the initial scholarship program for GLBT students. Dr. Garett Heysel, Assistant Dean, stated that “Jack’s inspirational leadership remains the bar of eminence to which we all must aspire and this scholarship is a testament to honor his vision and generosity.”

As part of the announcement, Mr. Miner shared “I was inspired to create this scholarship because the university has had so many outstanding leaders in the transgender community. This is an opportunity to recognize their work and to provide access to a campus that already has a strong history of support and encouragement of the transgender community.”

Angela Wellman, with the University’s Multicultural Center stated “"This scholarship is an example of our alumni not only seeing a need, but also actively working to fill it. This scholarship sends a firm message that Ohio State is not only affirming of gender-­‐queer and transgender students, but also intentionally seeking to recruit and retain them. We are excited about the increased opportunities that this scholarship will provide to students from this emerging population."

Ohio State is regularly recognized as a top school for GLBT Students, including recently being named by Campus Pride as one of the top LGBT Friendly Universities in the country. Advocate Magazine has described Ohio State as the top school for transgender students.